ladybug

noun

la·​dy·​bug ˈlā-dē-ˌbəg 

: any of numerous small nearly hemispherical often brightly colored often spotted beetles (family Coccinellidae) of temperate and tropical regions that usually feed both as larvae and adults on other insects (such as aphids)

called also lady beetle, ladybird, ladybird beetle

Illustration of ladybug

Examples of ladybug in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While the carpenter and bumble bees were the most obvious visitors to the lupines, a closer look revealed a host of activity from small, blue butterflies, ants and ladybugs. —Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 June 2025

This is safe for people and wildlife and relatively nontoxic to beneficial insects such as ladybugs that prey on them. —Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2025

Helpful insects like ladybugs and lacewings naturally control aphids, so attract them with flowers and don’t disturb them. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 12 June 2025

The Duchess of Sussex and Kaling also prepared a kid-friendly snack in the episode: tomato and cheese toasts that look like ladybugs. —Janine Henni, People.com, 5 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Our Lady, the Virgin Mary

First Known Use

1699, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ladybug

• antidrug
• mealybug
• multidrug
• chug
• doug
• drug
• dug
• hug
• jug
• lug
• mug
• plug

Kids Definition

ladybug

noun

la·​dy·​bug -ˌbəg 

: any of numerous small roundish-backed often brightly colored and spotted beetles that usually feed both when young and adult on other insects (as aphids)